How to Buy a House Without a Real Estate Agent

Key takeaways

• Buying a house without a realtor or real estate agent is possible with diligent research and planning. 
• Redfin’s home search and buying tips can help you make an informed decision when going through the home buying process on your own. 
• Weigh the pros and cons and consider the complexities of the process before deciding whether you want to buy without an agent. 

Buying a home is a huge decision, which is why many home buyers lean on the expertise of real estate agents. While agents can be invaluable assets, not everyone chooses to work with one, and it’s absolutely possible to buy a house without a realtor or real estate agent. While you’ll own the process from beginning to end and save some money on commission costs, you’ll also have some extra work on your hands.

But how do you buy a house without a realtor, exactly? Here’s what you need to know to successfully buy a home – without an agent by your side.

Can I buy a house without a real estate agent?

Yes, you can decide to buy a house on your own without the help of a realtor, but it’s not a decision to make lightly. In some situations, like purchasing from a family member or buying a for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) property, proceeding without an agent makes sense. It can also work if you’ve bought property before and feel confident handling the process.

Still, flying solo means you’re responsible for handling every step of the home buying journey. Real estate agents and realtors are experts in the housing market and buying process, and they’re committed to helping you find a place to call home. Deciding to go forward without their help will leave you to handle complex decisions and real estate jargon on your own. 

Pros and cons of buying without an agent 

Before we get into the how, you’ll need to decide whether buying a house without a real estate agent is the right move for you. Below, we’ll break down some of the major advantages and drawbacks of going through the home buying process solo. 

Pros

• Direct communication: You communicate with the seller or seller’s agent directly, which makes the flow of information and questions more streamlined. 
• Full ownership of the process: While choosing the right agent can help, forgoing one altogether lets you decide everything from where to search for homes to how you want to negotiate offers. 
• Potential savings: The 2024 NAR settlement changed the standard for who pays real estate agent fees. Both buyers and sellers can negotiate who pays the real estate agent fees. Previously, sellers typically made the decision. Without an agent in the picture, you avoid this potential expense.

Cons

• Limited market knowledge: Agents know their way around the housing market. Figuring out how to buy a house without a realtor means doing your own research to understand current market trends. The fact that housing inventory hit a 4-year high in August means you’ll have to sift through even more listings. 
• Potential for mistakes: With all the closing documents, legal terms, and financial obligations involved in the home buying process, the potential for mistakes increases if you’re not well-versed in these areas. 
• Difficulty negotiating: Without prior experience, it can be difficult to tell if you’re making a strong offer on a home or if you’re getting a good deal. You can lose out on opportunities for homes by making offers that aren’t competitive.
• No access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS): The MLS is a tool for agents that centralizes home data from across multiple databases. It is only available to licensed agents, so without one, your home search likely won’t be as thorough. 

How to buy a house without a real estate agent 

Confident that you’re ready to buy a house without a realtor? Follow these 8 steps to help you go from searching on Redfin.com to closing the deal on your dream home: 

1. Do your research

Agents stay on top of the latest market trends. Without one, it’s up to you to research and decide whether or not it’s a good time to buy a house. Consider the current market conditions, whether it’s better for buyers or sellers, and what the long-term implications of your investment might mean.

>>Read more: Is It a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market?

2. Come up with a budget 

Calculate how much house you can afford in the area you want to buy in. Be sure to consider down payments, the cost of living, closing costs, and the potential for unexpected fees once you buy. The more you prepare financially, the easier it will be to navigate the costs of buying and owning a home. 

3. Get pre-approved for a home loan

It’s recommended to get pre-approved for a mortgage before seriously beginning your home search, or at least 90 days prior to buying. A pre-approval will help you understand how much you can pay in monthly mortgage costs and make you look like a serious buyer. 

4. Use Redfin to search for homes 

Redfin’s home search has a myriad of options in thousands of neighborhoods across the U.S. Once you’ve narrowed down your search area, use the filters to tailor the search to your exact needs. Every Redfin listing includes helpful information like Walk Score, school ratings, potential flood risk, and more to help you make an informed decision – whether you’re using an agent or not. 

Once you’ve found a home online, attend an open house or tour in person. Be sure to let the listing agent know that you’re buying without a realtor.

5. Hire a real estate attorney

A real estate attorney may not be required in every state or by every lender, but they are still a great asset to have when buying a home, especially without an agent. Real estate attorneys are legally authorized to prepare and review documents related to your home purchase. 

Look to retain an attorney early in the home buying process. Their experience allows them to understand complex documents, represent your interests, and let you know what you’re signing off on. 

6. Review the seller’s disclosure

Before making an offer, carefully review the seller’s disclosure. The disclosure lists known issues like water damage, mold, asbestos, or pest infestations. It also includes other important information like flood zones, easements, or past repairs and renovations. 

While some items are federally required to be included in a seller’s disclosure, not all states have the same ones. Check your state’s specific requirements, do your due diligence, and ask the right questions before making any purchase decisions. 

7. Make an offer and negotiate 

When making an offer without a real estate agent, you will need to do some additional research to ensure you’re paying a fair price for the home and making a competitive offer. Look up real estate comps for the area and be aware of the type of market you’re in. 

Be sure to include contingencies, like a home inspection contingency, to protect yourself and your earnest money if the terms are not met to continue the transaction. Have your real estate attorney review your written offers with contingencies before sending them. 

8. Get a home inspection and appraisal

Home inspections are an essential part of the home buying process to evaluate the home’s current condition. Even if you do work with an agent to buy a home, it’s still good practice to attend the home inspection as the buyer. Ask questions and see any issues the inspector finds firsthand. Don’t forget to request a copy of the finalized report. 

A home appraisal determines the value of the home. This is an important step for a buyer to ensure you’re not overpaying on a home that’s worth less than your offer. Including appraisal contingencies in your offer allows you to back out of the sale if the report comes back low. 

9. Close on the home 

Once all the inspections and reports are reviewed, closing day is not far off. Your real estate attorney will help you review the closing documents, ensure everything is correct, and get you ready for closing day. As soon as all the paperwork is signed, the house is yours, and you’ve successfully bought a house without a realtor.

Should you buy a house without a real estate agent?

If you want total control over the homebuying process, and you’re prepared to take on the challenge, learning how to buy a house without a realtor might be right for you. It takes extra knowledge, time, and careful planning.

Agents already have the experience and skill to help you navigate, but you can make more of your own decisions and even save a bit of money by doing it all yourself. Deciding whether it’s right for you is a personal choice, but one you can make confidently by taking the proper steps. 

FAQ

Do I have to have a realtor to buy a house? 

While a realtor or real estate agent is a helpful asset, you’re not required to have one to buy a house. If you want to do it alone, you’ll need to carefully research the home buying process and the housing market.

Will I still be considered a serious buyer without a real estate agent?

Some sellers may be reluctant to work with self-represented buyers. However, proper research, organized paperwork, and getting pre-approved will all help you look like a serious buyer.

Can the seller’s agent help me?

The seller’s agent may be able to help you with some things, but remember that they represent the seller’s interests and will put them first. Don’t lean on them too much, especially during negotiations. 

Does an agent have to be present for inspections and appraisals?

A licensed agent would ideally be present for home inspections and appraisals, but if you’re buying a house without a realtor, you can attend on your own. The listing agent may be willing to attend as well in order to help the sale close, but some may require a commission for this.

Do I still need a real estate attorney?

In some states, a real estate attorney is required to oversee a real estate transaction. However, even if it’s not required, it is highly recommended. A real estate attorney will help ensure you understand your documents and that they are completed correctly. 

What kinds of homes can I buy without an agent?

You can usually buy any type of home without an agent or realtor. As stated above, just make sure to do your research and due diligence before jumping into any major decisions.

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